Windows: Backing up to an external USB drive is fast, but backing up to a web-based server is (literally) fireproof. Mozy 2.0 aims to split the difference, offering both faster cloud-based system backup and a new USB drive backup tool.

Mozy's long been one of Lifehacker's favorite online backup tools, in no small part because it offers 2 GB of free backup space to any home user. It's been included in our essential Windows downloads and running neck-and-neck with Carbonite as the preferred unlimited backup service. The new Mozy 2.0 has a few features that long-time users are going to like upgrading to, including the automatic external drive backup that Mozy is calling 2xProtect. It's simply a fail-safe way to quickly back up files that might take a while to get onto Mozy's servers, and there aren't any options to tweak—set the drive, and Mozy creates a mozyLocalBackup folder that contains whatever sets, file rules, or specific folders you choose to backup.

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Mozy also claims to "prepare" files 75 percent faster, as well as opened up upload bandwidth by up to 25 percent. Most useful for Mozy users who actively use their connections, though, is a long-overdue pause button, available right from the main status window.

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Mozy 2.0 is a free download for Windows systems only, with a Mac 2.0 to follow "later this year." Pricing for unlimited plans starts at $54.95 per year. Tell us what you think of the new Mozy in the comments.